Local News Archives

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s hosted its annual Business Recognition Breakfast Awards Ceremony & Annual Meeting Friday morning. Several local businesses and individuals were awarded for their contributions to the community. See the winners below, with a

Berrien County Animal Control has been struggling to house animals that belong to people who are caught up in the criminal justice system and waiting for court dates. Berrien County Commissioner Alex Ott told colleagues this week

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released a recap of the 2022 deer hunting season. DNR deer management specialist Chad Stewart tells us 2022 was the first year hunters were required to report their deer harvest

Work is about to begin on Phase II of Whirlpool’s Lakeview Bike Trail in the Benton Harbor area. Whirlpool’s Deb O’Connor tells us Phase I was the 5.5 mile bicycle trail near the company’s corporate headquarters on

Two southwest Michigan men have been arrested after search warrants were executed in Benton Harbor and near a school in New Buffalo on Wednesday. After executing a search warrant in the 1200 block of Broadway Avenue in

Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey isn’t the only one retiring from the department soon. He tells us Chief Deputy Robert Boyce is also stepping down. “I’m going to have my chief deputy retire, so I’ve got to

A 24-year-old Plainwell man has been arrested after pointing a gun at another man close to two schools. Public safety officers say it happened around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday after he allegedly pointed the gun at a man

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office says the 45 animals they rescued from a Columbia Township property this week were not the focus of the search warrant they helped the U.S. Department of Homeland Security carry out.

Perceptions can be difficult to change in the wine world, but that is not going to stop Dablon Vineyards and Winery owner William Schopf from trying. From growing rarely seen grape varietals thought to be impossible to

The City of Benton Harbor Community Health and Environmental Resource Fair is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Virginia Edwards Community Center, 721 Nate Wells Sr. Drive, from 4 to 6 p.m. Families will be able to

The Michigan High Speed Internet Office’s visit to Benton Harbor this week has Berrien County Commissioners optimistic. Speaking to colleagues Thursday, Commissioner Teri Freehling said as billions of dollars start to become available for governments to expand

Virgil Chandler Knowles III, 47, of Vicksburg, Michigan was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography Tuesday, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten

What to do with the Orchards Mall is a question on the mind of Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford. He told colleagues Thursday he’s been meeting with township representatives from his district, including Benton Township, and the

Longtime St. Joseph High School music educator Dennis Bowen has died. He was the Director of Choral Activities for St. Joseph Public Schools beginning in 1960 and is remembered by generations of students who were mentored by

M-63 near the Whirlpool corporate headquarters will be closed starting Monday and continuing through May. The Michigan Department of Transportation says it’s approved a permit to close the road between Benson Road and Paw Paw Avenue in

From the Associated Press — Police say the man who shot eight students at Michigan State University, killing three, was found with two handguns and a note containing a possible motive for the attack. They described Anthony McRae

The victims of this week’s mass shooting at Michigan State University are being remembered. Thousands gathered on campus Wednesday for a candlelight vigil after three students were killed and at least five others were injured Monday night.

Key manufacturing indicators in west Michigan rose sharply in January, a sign that the area’s economy is rebounding according to a Grand Valley State University economic expert. The director of supply management research at the Seidman College

It’s never too early to begin thinking about spring. The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is making plans for its 38th Annual Floral Extravaganza fundraiser. Every year, the SMSO offers an array of flowers from which to choose.

A donation of four ballistic shields has been made to the Lincoln Township Police Department by the Lakeshore Lions Club. Police Chief Gary Soper showed the shields to township trustees at their meeting Tuesday, saying they can

Brandywine Community Schools in Niles has taken action to stop objectionable content from reaching its students. At its regular meeting Monday, the Brandywine School Board approved a motion to deny all books deemed as sexually explicit or

The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education announced Monday that taxpayers could receive a refund related to a technology bond approved by voters in 2016. District financial officer Brenda Graham said the sale wont go through

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s $79 billion budget proposal is getting high marks from state Representative Joey Andrews. He tells us among the items that will benefit southwest Michigan is a 10% increase in revenue sharing for local communities.

Senior citizens in Covert Township can now use the programs offered by Senior Services of Van Buren County. Township Supervisor Daywi Cook tells us voters in August approved a one mill levy for the service. Any Covert

Lincoln Township leaders are looking at a way to reduce problems caused by short term rental properties without having to amend an ordinance. Township Trustee Marc Florian told colleagues at a meeting Tuesday the planning commission has

Coloma Community Schools is seeking a $28.2 million bond from voters. Superintendent Dave Ehlers tells us the funds would go toward updating most of the district’s aging buildings. “Basically, it’s a remodeling of all the old existing